GIS for Development and Environment

The program in GIS for Development and Environment (GISDE) prepares professionals for careers where they apply the world's most advanced computer mapping technologies and spatial analysis to address crucial issues concerning socioeconomic development and environmental science.

Program Overview

As a joint program with IDCE and Clark's School of Geography, the GIS for Development and Environment program is unique. It specializes in applications of geospatial technologies to problems of sustainable development and the environment, such as:

Earth system information science

Land change modeling

Remote sensing

Conservation GIS

Public health

Environmental justice

GISDE's program is designed for people with an interest in the use of applications of geospatial technologies (GIS, remote sensing) to environmental and social change issues. If you are interested in learning not only the tools of spatial analysis, but also learning how to apply these tools to real life problems in the course of seeking solutions, we encourage you to consider our program. The course of study is designed to accommodate both GIS novices and people with previous GIS experience.

Most GISDE students finance their education through a combination of savings, loans, scholarships, and grants. Some applicants find it useful to apply to the GISDE program, then use the letter of acceptance in their applications to funding agencies.

The GIS for Development and Environment Experience

GISDE Program offers two main tracks: a research track and a practitioner track. Students following the practitioner track are required to complete a summer internship. These internships typically fall in to the following categories:

Students who are following the research track find numerous opportunities to conduct collaborative research with IDCE faculty as they pursue their research on issues such as water quality, land use change, and global climate change the world over. Many GISDE students have co-published findings of their research with faculty members in respected journals in the field.

The Idrisi and Clark Labs Advantage

Clark Labs for Cartographic Technology and Geographic Systems produces the GIS software Idrisi, which is used in over 180 countries worldwide. It is the only academic institution in the world with a successful 25+ year history of GIS and remote sensing software development. GISDE students have a singular opportunity to learn the analytical power of raster GIS using Idrisi in their course work and research. Additionally, GISDE students may have an opportunity to work at Clark Labs as software testers, programmers or researchers, depending on each student's qualifications and the needs of Clark Labs.

Jacob Wasilkowski: Automated Map Design Research with the Cartography & Geovisualization Group at Oregon State University (adviser: Yelena Ogneva-Himmelberger)

Luisa Young: Land Use/ Land Cover Classification of Northern Vietnam: Summer Internship with the East West Center (adviser: Yelena Ogneva-Himmelberger)

Quotes From Our Alumni

GIS for Development and Environment alumni pursue their passions concerning sustainable development and environmental protection in meaningful careers where they apply hi-tech skills that they learned in the GIS for Development and Environment program.

"While we were taught GIS on the standard software packages, we weren't taught to just push buttons, but rather to make good decisions about data analysis. We were given a really strong grounding in the basics of what makes up spatial analysis, and we elaborated on that with groundbreaking analysis tools that are being developed right at Clark, which is an enormous asset. I think this really helps set GISDE grads apart from a run-of-the-mill GIS person."
Tyler Dahlberg (GISDE '14)

"The range of skills and perspectives I encountered in the Clark GISDE program was humbling and inspiring. I learned a great deal from my classmates in lab, where we were constantly problem-solving as a group. My professors' contributions to national and global research on issues of public health and environmental change amplified their teaching, and meant that we were encouraged as students to engage in applied research. Because of this I was able to contribute to projects structured by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) DEVELOP Program, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal and Ocean Applications Program, the Wildlife Conservation Society and Oxfam America during my time in the GISDE program. It was a tremendous learning experience."
Anne Clark Baker (GISDE '14)

"I am a GIS Specialist at AIR Worldwide and I think we have about ten Clark University graduates(although only two of us are GISDE, and not all are GIS people) that work here—the geography department is well respected. When I go to networking events in Boston there tend to be a good number of GISDE grads in attendance, considering how small the program is. Going to a school that is well known in your field for having a strong program in what you want to do is unquestionably beneficial, professionally."
Russell Sands (GISDE '13)

"Before coming to Clark I was not really sure about continuing in urban planning related GIS (my bachelor's degree) or picking up a new field. With the different courses I took at Clark, I was able to explore different options that were not available in other schools. The class size and the courses were perfect fit to interact with classmates and professors. The transition to my current role as a GIS specialist at Partners In Health happened right after graduation and I was able to cope with the work using time management and organizational skills I learned at Clark."
Ermyas Birru (GISDE '13)

"The GISDE program offered me many technical courses, from which I have learned some of the most advanced knowledge and skills in the GIS field. All the professors I know are intelligent, hard-working, and outstanding in their fields. My professors guided me not only when I was a graduate student, but also helped me with my career development after my graduation. I sincerely appreciate it."
Yue Sun (GISDE '14)

Julia Lenhardt

GISDE '13, USA

Julia Lenhardt graduated from McGill University in 2009, where she earned a B.Sc. in Earth Systems Science. At McGill she researched the accuracy of precipitation data predicted by the Fourth Assessment Report of the IPCC, and traveled to Tanzania to study the effects of gold mining on rural communities. In '11, she worked as an intern at Clark Labs and researched the possible causes of draught in the Amazon. She also volunteered on the REC's YouthGrow organic farm in downtown Worcester. Her research interests include climate change, Remote Sensing, and environmental applications of GIS. Julia is currently employed at ESRI.